We are looking to recruit an experienced and passionate Congregational Safeguarding Lead, to support the Trustees, in the implementation of the Safeguarding vision for the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM) international Congregation. This is an exciting new role, where you will ensure that a culture of Safeguarding, is aligned with the values and vision throughout the FMDM congregation, supporting victim survivors, helping to bring their voices to the forefront and overseeing the development of policy and good practice in all aspects of Safeguarding.
This is a part time role, where there is flexibility on days and hours, hybrid working is a consideration, but the post holder will need to be able visit the Congregational leadership offices, which is based in Ladywell, Godalming, as and when required. Due to the nature of this role and the responsibilities there will be a degree of flexibility required, as some international travel will be an important component.
About Us
The Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM) are an International Religious Congregation of Catholic women who seek to proclaim with their lives, the joy and freedom of the Gospel in the spirit of Francis and Clare of Assisi. The Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood are committed to building a Culture of Safeguarding which permeates every aspect of our Life and Mission across the world.
Rooted in the Franciscan Tradition, we are guided by the following values in how we deliver our work: Dignity of the human person, inclusiveness, peace-making, reconciliation and healing, respect and care for creation and simplicity.
About The Role
Day to day, you will work with The Congregational Leadership Team (CLT), The Senior Management Team (SMT) based at Ladywell Convent, Godalming, Surrey; the CIO Trustees and FMDM Leadership overseas to develop a strong supportive international team, who can facilitate the creation of a strong culture of Safeguarding throughout the congregation.
Your duties will include, but not be limited to:
- Working with Safeguarding representatives, sisters and mission partners, from across the different countries in developing a culture of safeguarding and the implementation of the FMDM Safeguarding Policy
- Liaising with the Safeguarding representatives/teams to ensure a coordinated approach is adopted and appropriate record keeping is in correctly updated and maintained.
- Providing regular reports to the CLT and CIO Trustees on safeguarding activity, training schedules, policy development etc as well as any safeguarding issues within or relating to the Congregation.
- Ensuring that across the Congregation, appropriate support is offered to any victim survivors who come forward
- Proactively engage in policy development, facilitating training across all parts of the congregation and in the provision of timely and relevant sharing of information and resources.
- Making sure that safeguarding is included in recruitment processes and induction for all new staff and volunteers, including Employment/Right to Work checks.
- Forging and nurturing partnerships with the different international safeguarding bodies in different jurisdictions and organisations
- Maintaining up to date records, carrying out internal practice audits and ensuring all DBS or equivalent checks depending on the jurisdiction concerned are current and updated appropriately.
About You
To succeed in the role of Safeguarding Lead, you will need to have a proven record, and knowledge on safeguarding children and adults at risk, with an excellent understanding of professional safeguarding work. Experience of working internationally or with an international organisation would be an advantage. A working knowledge of safeguarding within a charity or Catholic organisation is desired, but not essential. You will be able to work with the uppermost confidentiality, in line with a commitment to work according to the vision and values of the FMDM and up to date legislative protocols. As part of this role, you will need to work with empathy for victim survivors, be able to stay calm under pressure and have the ability to provide a proportionate response to situations, which may require escalation. You’ll be highly motivated, able to build and nurture positive working relationships and be a champion for collaborative working. You’ll have good knowledge and IT ability, such as working across various Office 365 applications.
Closing Date: 20th March 2023.
Interview Date: 31st March or 3rd April.
Salary: Up to £40,000 (pro-rata).
Job offer will be subject to work 2x satisfactory work references and an enhanced DBS.
Click here to apply.
